Lightyear One: World's first long-range solar car unveiled

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The first long-range solar car, dubbed Lightyear One, was unveiled this week in the Netherlands.

Lightyear, launched in 2016, is a self-proclaimed pioneer in clean mobility and has received several awards, grants and support.

The Lightyear One, which is set to become available to the public in 2021, is a hybrid solar-electric car.

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Constructed with a roof and hood comprised of solar cells within safety glass, the vehicle can also be charged like most electric vehicles at a charging station or a regular outlet.

Lightyear One’s four wheels are independently driven so that there is no energy lost from the engine to the wheel.

Also, the car is built from materials with the lowest weight possible while making sure passengers are as safe as possible.

During the unveiling, CEO and co-founder of Lightyear said, “Climate change is one of the biggest problems that we humans have faced in our history. It is such a frightening development that it is almost paralyzing. We decided to do the opposite; as engineers, we believed we could do something.”

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Those who want to make sure they can get their hands on this new piece of tech and innovation in travel can reserve one on the Lightyear website for a reservation fee of €119,000 ($135,534).

According to a release, the first 100 cars have been reserved, with 400 still up for grabs.